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Penang

Gourmets and gourmands rejoice! The ‘Pearl of the Orient’ is a thriving melting pot of a city where everyone is a certified foodie. Rich culture and traditions give rise to lingering scents of irresistible food from all corners of Malaysia, as the island’s heritage is proudly and fiercely preserved without resisting the flood of modernity. What do you need for your pilgrimage to this food mecca? Just comfortable shoes and a large pack of indigestion relief.

Top 5 Must Do's

Local Cuisines

Ask any local where to find the best local bites – char kuey teow, assam laksa, cendol, ais kacang, Hokkien mee, nasi kandar and many more! Regardless of where they point to, you’ll be assured that the food will be impeccably good! The birthplace of many famous Malaysian dishes, the streets of Penang such as Lorong Selamat, Macalister Road and Kimberly Street are filled with variations of the classics.

Batu Ferringhi

Tourists will love the colourful night market along Ferringhi Beach. In front of the stretch of bars and hotels is a night market that sells every tourist’s dream souvenirs – lanterns, key chains, novelty tees, floats, swimwear, accessories, bags and many others. Come over for some trinket shopping, get a foot massage across the street or just hop on to one of the many famous bars along the street.

Kek Lok Si Temple

There is no missing the Temple of Supreme Bliss, its many towers sprawled atop a hillside, and a giant 36.5 metre high statue of the Goddess of Mercy standing tall at the summit. The view is fantastic, but more so during festive periods such as Chinese New Year when you’ll find the entire place decorated with hundreds of lanterns – quite a sight for all visitors. If walking’s not your thing, there is a mini funicular train that takes you to the top.

Penang Botanical Gardens

Come over to this huge garden to get close to nature, and join the locals on their jogs, walks, treks, aerobic dances and even Tai Chi practices amidst lush greenery. The garden also plays host to the Penang International World Music Festival and the annual Penang International Floral Fest.

George Town

Step into George Town’s many quaint streets such as Armenian Street and Acheh Street, and you’ll find a place where time stands still. Here in this UNESCO World Heritage Site you’ll find well-preserved colonial-era structures, including temples, mosques and churches. Attractions such as the recently added street artworks by Ernest Zacharevic are also a big pull.